[AlmaLinux Users] Unable to use xfce desktop

I just reinstalled almalinux-9 after an selinux screw-up and cannot get xfce to work. I've installed all the requisite packages, but the gdm login screen no longer shows an option to select a different desktop (i.e. no "gear" icon). I tried pointing ./xinitrc to "exec /usr/bin/xfce4-session" but no joy. I installed the switchdesk package and ran "switchdesk Xfce" program reports "Desktop now set up to run xfce" but logout/login still comes up as the butt-ugly almalinux default desktop.

Xfce worked fine on this machine prior to the reinstall. What am I missing?